Bursa Uludag Tour from Istanbul – with Lunch & Cable Car

Taking a day trip from Istanbul to Bursa to visit the famous Uludağ Mountain offers travelers a fantastic mix of outdoor adventure, rich history, and authentic local flavors. This tour, operated by Terra Luna Travel, is designed to give you a well-rounded experience — from scenic cable car rides to tasting traditional delights, all wrapped in a manageable 12-hour package.

What we love about this trip is its variety: you’ll enjoy the thrill of riding the Uludağ cable car, explore historic sites like the 638-year-old plane tree, and indulge in local cuisine. Plus, the chance to try winter sports, such as skiing, adds an element of excitement. The only possible downside is that the day can be quite full, so it may feel rushed if you’re keen on a more leisurely pace. Still, it’s an ideal choice for those wanting a snapshot of Bursa’s natural and cultural treasures in one day.

This tour works best for energetic travelers who appreciate a mix of sightseeing, outdoor fun, and local food. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about Turkey’s diverse regions, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Good To Know

• All-in-one experience with cultural sites, nature, and adventure.
• Stunning panoramic views from Uludağ Mountain and the cable car.
• Authentic local cuisine included with a hearty lunch.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the journey with insights.
• Good value for money considering the diverse destinations and activities.
• Pickup and drop-off from central Istanbul make logistics straightforward.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Experience: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Early Morning Pickup and Scenic Drive

The day kicks off with hotel pickups from Fatih or Beyoğlu, making it convenient if you’re staying centrally in Istanbul. The coach journey to Bursa takes about two hours, crossing either the ferry or the Osmangazi Bridge, offering your first taste of Turkey’s scenic beauty outside the city.

First Stops: Sweet and Savory Tastings

Upon arriving in Bursa, your first taste of local hospitality begins at a Turkish delight shop. As one reviewer Christa from Johannesburg noted, the delights are irresistible, and she urged travelers to buy a lot — a true highlight for sweet lovers. It’s a perfect way to start the day with a sugar rush and learn about this famous Turkish treat.

Next, you’ll visit a jam shop, where organic jams, olives, and spreads are on display. Physllis described the shop as more than just jams — a treasure trove of delicious products. These stops are not just about tasting but also about understanding local craftsmanship and flavor profiles.

Lunch and the Historic Plane Tree

After a couple of sensory treats, a local restaurant provides a hearty meal. The lunch includes options like chicken, red meat, salad, bread, and wheat rice, complemented by a soft drink. Mohamed Mehdi shared that the food exceeded expectations and was quite satisfying after a busy morning.

Post-lunch, the tour visits the impressive 638-year-old plane tree, a peaceful spot perfect for a quick break and photo opportunities. It’s a reminder of Bursa’s long-standing natural heritage and provides a nice contrast to the lively food stops.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Ascending Uludağ Mountain

The core of the trip is the journey up Uludağ Mountain, often called Turkey’s Mount Everest — or at least a close contender for the title of Turkey’s most popular winter sports hub. Visitors have about 2 hours to enjoy the mountain’s scenery, which can be especially breathtaking in the summer, though winter snow adds a magical touch.

One reviewer, Mohamed Mehdi, raved about skiing in the snow, describing it as a magnificent landscape. The mountain is also famous for winter activities like motor skiing, which some travelers might find particularly appealing as an adventure option.

The Cable Car Ride: A Highlight

The cable car ride from the peak down to Bursa city center takes approximately 20-25 minutes and offers stunning bird’s-eye views. We loved how one reviewer highlighted that the two connecting gondolas stretch nearly 10 kilometers, making it one of the longest cable car rides in the world—an experience worth doing at least once.

Rain may obscure the views sometimes, but even in less-than-ideal weather, the ride offers a unique perspective of Bursa’s sprawling landscape and forests. The cable car is a perfect way to connect the mountain adventure with the city’s cultural sites.

Cultural and Souvenir Stops

Back in the city center, you’ll visit a historical bath turned souvenir shop, where you can browse local crafts and buy traditional keepsakes. The Yeil Mosque and Yeil Tomb are next, offering a glimpse into Bursa’s religious and architectural history, and providing ideal photo opportunities.

Return to Istanbul

After a packed day, the tour concludes with drop-offs in either Fatih or Beyoğlu, making the return journey comfortable and straightforward. The day’s itinerary wraps up roughly after the visits to these cultural sites, leaving you with a great collection of memories.

Authenticity and Value

From genuine reviews, it’s clear that the guides are knowledgeable and professional, adding context to each site and making the trip more meaningful. Christa appreciated the “upmarket” stopovers and the “delicious” meals, which made the entire experience more comfortable and enjoyable. The tour’s inclusions—entrance fees, cable car rides, lunch, and transportation—highlight its solid value.

While some travelers might want to add optional activities like ATV safaris or winter gear rental, the core experience provides a balanced mix of sightseeing and outdoor fun at a reasonable price point. Considering the full day’s offerings, it’s an excellent way to see Bursa without the hassle of planning multiple excursions.

Who Is This Tour For?

This tour is best suited for those who want a comprehensive day out that combines natural beauty, cultural sights, and local flavors. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy scenic rides, history, and good food, especially if you’re visiting Istanbul and want a change of scenery. Active visitors will appreciate the opportunity to try winter sports or simply enjoy the mountain’s views, while culture lovers will value the historical sites.

Keep in mind that the itinerary is quite full, so if you prefer a slower, more relaxed pace, you might find this day a little rushed. However, for most, the mix of activities, sights, and tastes makes it a worthwhile adventure.

This Bursa Uludag tour offers an excellent value for those seeking a well-rounded day trip from Istanbul. From the spectacular cable car ride and scenic mountain views to the historic sites and local culinary delights, it captures the essence of Bursa in one manageable package. The knowledgeable guides, smooth logistics, and diverse stops make it a practical choice for travelers eager to explore Turkey beyond Istanbul.

If you’re after a blend of outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, and authentic food, this tour delivers plenty of highlights. It’s especially suitable for active, curious travelers who want to see Bursa’s natural beauty and history without the stress of planning every detail themselves.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from designated locations in Istanbul, such as Fatih and Beyoğlu, making logistics straightforward.

How long is the coach ride from Istanbul to Bursa?
The journey takes approximately two hours, crossing via ferry or Osmangazi Bridge, offering scenic views along the way.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
Key highlights include the Turkish delight and jam shops, a hearty local lunch, the historic plane tree, Uludağ Mountain, the cable car ride, and visits to cultural sites like Yeil Mosque and Yeil Tomb.

Are winter sports available during this trip?
Yes, depending on the season, you can try activities like skiing or motor skiing on Uludağ Mountain. Note that ski equipment and winter gear are recommended for colder months.

Is the cable car ride safe and comfortable?
Absolutely. The ride is part of the organized tour, and the gondolas are well-maintained. The experience offers stunning panoramic views, especially in good weather.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, the visit to a souvenir shop in Bursa provides an opportunity to purchase traditional crafts and memorabilia.

What is the overall value of this tour?
Considering the inclusions—transport, guide, entrance fees, cable car, and lunch—it offers good value, especially for those wanting a diverse day trip with minimal hassle.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect from the Bursa Uludag Tour. Whether you’re after scenic vistas, cultural insights, or local tastings, it offers a comprehensive taste of Turkey’s vibrant diversity—all packed into one exciting day.

You can check if your dates are available here: